How should I start?

[GoodGuyGary]

I have a 73 240Z and the engine is not running good. Seems like it won't last too long. I want to made it a V-8, thinking about brand new V-8 engine, power steering, A/C and 6 speed(sorry, really want these). I know that it is a long term project, and how should I start it? How much do you think it will cost?

[DavyZ]

Gary, welcome to the forum!

 

You have asked the most common questions which have been answered countless times before Not to worry! You have questions, we have answers...and then some. If you are pretty handy you can do the swap yourself. Here is a list of things you should do to prepare yourself:

 

1) Buy the JTR manual and read it several times. it will go into detail on what is required for such a swap and what you can expect. Even if you don't buy the conversion parts from them, the book is pure gold as far as info is concerned--highly recommended. It will save you time & dollars.

 

2) Use the search function on this forum. It is located at the top right corner of your screen You can do searches to find threads relating to the info you need. Highly recommended.

 

3) Cost is relative--you get what you pay for. A realistic budget is $5000-$10000 IMO. The cost of the car, cost of the engine, and cost of the tranny will be the most pricey things on your list. What you want determines the price. Likewise, what amount of $$$ you have determines what you can buy. A GM crate engine starts at about $1200 for a basic engine that you still have to add quite a few parts for. This ends up being more like $2000 minimum. Look at any Hot Rod or Car Craft Magazine for adds from places that sell crate motors, even ebay is a place to search. Take your time and do the research--it'll save you money and headaches.

 

4) Adding power steering can be done. The best example yet is Alsil's (Al Silvera) website for info--he posts often on in the Ford forum--his hyperlinks for his site are on his signature at the bottom of his posts.

 

5) Did I mention to use the search function? Welcome to the best place on earth for swapping tips for Z-cars! Enjoy the ride!

 

Davy

[Datsun660z]

Just incase you don't have the URL address for Jags That Run This is the place that is known as the supplyer for the Bible

Jags That Run V8 Conversion For Datsun Z Cars

[Guest Anonymous]

WARNING THIS IS LONG POST EVEN BY LONE STANDARDS ...

 

If I would have had the chance to make my car a long term build (instead of slap it in and do it as I go )

 

a) I would structurally look for any rust or other damages to the structure and repair and rust coat with por15 or coreless.

 

I would have put in the 8 point roll cage and tie in the front and back frame rails.

 

c)I'd do the rear end and all that bit, all bushings, R200 etc, upgrade back brakes if the budget allows, if not, reshoe them with something better.

 

d) Rebuild the frontend with all new bushings. Stop over to Alsil's website and look over his 5.0 power steering swap and duplicate his effort.

 

e) Upgrade the front brakes even if its just the toyota 4 piston upgrade (these actually work well for a panic stop, they will fade because of heat for repeated stops, so you'll need to evaluate your needs and $$.) Its a good time to look at tires and wheels to find out what you want and what backset you need.

 

Ok, rolling chassis is about done, move inside...

 

f) If its a 240 you have a few A/C options, put in a later Z a/c unit, put in a original type dealer add on (upgrade your fan and this will work ok, at least the one from MSA I installed works good.), or Vintage air. If I had the money and time, I'd go the vintage route and get one that has heat and A/C, it'll be way better and probably not for alot more money (the MSA kit is about 800+ $).

 

g) The dash is out (to do the air) what do you want for gauges? Stock, leave em and rework tach, aftermarket install them now, doing it from the front isn't really very easy. (nearly impossible for me anyway) Ok, button up the dash and hook all controls for the a/c unit and vents up as you do this. It could be tricky, but on the other hand, if you used vintage air I believe it comes with a control unit so you could use that instead of stock. If you wish to rewire the car (I would) nows a good time to put in a painless wiring harness.

 

Whew, time for a beer, you've done a good days work..

 

h) Do the basic JTR install with all the elec fan and radiator etc, for the T56 prepare the pass side firewall with a suitable 3lb. sledge to clear starter/bellhousing. Dimple by the reverse light switch (where it will fall out in the tunnel, it'll be real close otherwise). Get the driveline cut, put in the fuel pump, fuel cell or bigger fuel lines if your going EFI and wire the car up. Exhaust etc.

 

i) Start car, check for leaks, and hop in that dude and prepare for the funnest ride this side of Magic Mountain (better, the grin will last much longer trust me).

 

j) Prep for paint and any body work you might have or want to do. Paint, cure, buff, enjoy! Change out weather stripping.

 

k) Clean up loose ends, problems that might arise, replace anything that visually bugs you, and just drive, enjoy and upgrade HP as the money comes in (or before depending on your doughski $).

 

Not bad for a couple a days, a suitcase full of money and beer (works to bribe for help.. ).

 

 

Sorry this was so long, I got carried away as always, the above is a OPINION and only one of way of doing it, but its how I would have done it had I had the time (its my driver couldn't tie it up that long yet..)

This is also a condensed version (believe it or not!) and I've left many steps out, but perhaps it'll give you a hint what to look for.

 

Regards and good luck,

 

Lone

 

PS: And of course if you run into problems, drop a line, the people here usually answer by the days end so its pretty quick to get good solid info here from people who have done it, thank God!